Last Updated on December 19, 2020 by Ellen Christian
Have you ever wondered how to choose the best foundation? Do you consider the brand, type, tone or something else? Like most women, my skin has changed quite a bit over the years. When I was in high school, my skin was oily and I was prone to acne breakouts. As I got older, the acne breakouts became less frequent and my skin started to be less oily. I had a few lovely years in my twenties where I had wonderful skin.
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How to Choose the Best Foundation
With the birth of my first child, I started getting acne again and realized that I had developed rosacea. Rosacea is a skin condition that causes flushing and adult acne. It isn’t related to washing or dirt and oil in your pores. Extreme temperatures, hormones, and some foods can cause a rosacea flare up. As I got older, the rosacea became a bit more manageable and my skin became dryer. I have really run the entire spectrum with my skin type.
While my skin has changed quite a bit, I am still choosing the same type of foundation most of the time. My foundation has always been a liquid foundation. Yes, I have added in a primer on most days and periodically try a mineral-based powder but I choose my foundation on a whim without much thought to why I’m choosing it or how to choose the best foundation for my skin type.
Dry skin
Choose a liquid, stick or hydrating powder foundation. These have a creamy consistency which will help them deliver moisture to your skin and provide more coverage.
Oily skin
Use an oil-free liquid or powder foundation. Some powders will absorb oil and help give your skin a matte finish. Mineral makeup often works well on oily skin because the dry powder helps to absorb oil.
Combination skin
You will need to use different types of foundation on different areas of your skin. The powder can help distribute more of the oil absorbing benefits without caking up where you don’t need it.
Acne prone skin
If you are prone to acne breakouts, look for a foundation that has salicylic acid. The salicylic acid helps to dry up the oil producing glands in your skin that cause acne breakouts.
Once you’ve figured out the best foundation for your skin, you’ll notice that your foundation will look more natural and will wear longer. Applying your foundation over a primer can help as well.
Ellen believes you can feel beautiful at any age and size. She shares healthy beauty and fashion information geared toward women over 40. She is a direct sales rep for several fashion and beauty businesses.
Foundations are really tricky for me to pick. Good tips.
Thanks, Jenn. They can be!
These are some excellent and helpful hints.
Thanks, Nancy!
I don’t really use foundation all over my face. I never wore it in high school. I was a runner and in all kinds of sports and couldn’t be bothered with makeup, and at that time blessed to have nice skin. My breakouts were in my thirties mostly. Now I can get away with a few dabs of coverup on a few spots. I would wear it if I were going out on a special occasion though. Less is more with me!
You’re very lucky!
Thank you!! I have dry skin and I already use liquid but I have never tried a stick before. I’m going to get one. I like the Korean Cushion compacts, I think they work well if you have dry skin too.
You are very welcome!